Guelph, ON — January 20, 2026
Today, Guelph MP, Dominique O’Rourke, convened local partners and entrepreneurs for the Guelph Business Support Roundtable: Connecting SMEs to Opportunities, an information session focused on practical supports for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). With presentations from the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), Invest in Guelph, and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario the session connected business owners with financing options, advisory services, and municipal resources designed to help them invest, scale, and succeed in a competitive economy.
In a period marked by changing market conditions and rising input costs, the focus was on helping Guelph’s SMEs boost productivity, access capital and expand into new markets. The discussion underscored the importance of local partnerships and targeted tools to sustain good jobs and strengthen community prosperity.
“Guelph’s entrepreneurs are builders and problem-solvers. I just want to make sure they know about the federal, municipal and financial tools and opportunities that are available to help them grow—here and in new markets,” said O’Rourke.
BDC outlined financing and advisory solutions tailored to different stages of growth, emphasizing practical, right‑time support for entrepreneurs as they scale, navigate change, and explore new opportunities. Invest in Guelph highlighted how economic development services—site readiness, talent strategies, data and investment facilitation—can accelerate business plans and provide a coordinated local platform for expansion.
“Entrepreneurs are carrying a lot right now,” said Tyson Jones, Senior Vice President, Ontario, at BDC. “Many are working hard just to keep pace while also trying to plan for what comes next. At BDC, we see the pressure they’re under, and we also see the opportunities emerging in strategic processes, AI adoption, and new markets,” he added. Jones said: “Our commitment is to walk alongside business owners with the expertise and capital that help them steady the present while building for the future.”
Also on the panel, Christine Chapman, Manager of Economic Development, City of Guelph reminded attendees “The Economic Development team is your go-to contact for any business needing support with City services or connections to local resources.” Chapman noted that Guelph’s business community is diverse, with unique needs and challenges, and that the Economic Development team is there to help in any way it can.
Participants left with actionable next steps, including direct contacts for follow‑up, guidance on preparing for financing, and links to relevant tools and programs. MP O’Rourke noted that Guelph’s SME ecosystem—including agri‑food, advanced manufacturing, clean tech, retail, and professional services—remains a source of innovation and resilience, and that practical collaboration will help local businesses turn challenges into opportunities.
“Today’s session was about meeting businesses where they are,” said MP O’Rourke, “making it simpler to find the right partner, the right program, and the right next step. That’s how we protect jobs, build capacity, and strengthen Guelph’s economy for the long term.”
For media inquiries, please contact:
Lianne Cassidy
Chief of Staff to Dominique O'Rourke
Member of Parliament for Guelph
519-837-5170